Buddy Bench

WHAT IS THE BUDDY BENCH?

The buddy bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground.

It began in Pennsylvania in 2013 when a boy named Christian learned his family may be moving to Germany. When they were looking at a website for a school overseas, Christian saw a picture of a special bench on the playground. He asked about it, liked what he heard, and thought it would be a really great thing to have on the playground at his school. (He knew that there were some kids who felt lonely at recess and thought this would put an end to that!) His teacher and his principal helped make the bench happen the following school year. The local newspaper wrote a story on the buddy bench, and it caught the attention of the Huffington Post. From there, it was picked up by NBC and other media outlets.

In the winter of 2015, several teachers in Cannon Falls heard about the buddy bench, too. They wanted to create a similar bench to help create a place for kids to find a buddy.

We use our Buddy Bench as a tool for making friends on the playground and use the slideshow below to help model its appropriate use.

It's always a great day to be a Bomber! Let's spread the message of inclusion and kindness and continue to Keep it REAL at Cannon Falls Elementary School!